Buena Vista University vs. Valley City State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA with Valley City State University in Valley City, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Buena Vista University is larger than Valley City State University based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 1,806 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Valley City State University is in Valley City, ND (Remote Town setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Valley City State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Valley City State University 12:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Valley City State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Valley City State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Valley City State University than Buena Vista University ($12,442 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Valley City State University are 24.3% lower than at Buena Vista University ($8,580 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 387.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Valley City State University (about $33,218 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $8,580.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 208.6% higher at Buena Vista University than at Valley City State University (about $28,254 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $13,544.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Valley City State University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 360.7% larger than aid received by Valley City State University students ($34,397 vs. $7,467).

Buena Vista University vs. Valley City State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or Valley City State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Valley City State University and Buena Vista University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 80 points higher than at Valley City State University (950).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Valley City State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Valley City State University 830/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Valley City State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Valley City State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Valley City State University (3.31).
• Valley City State University has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 53.9% at Valley City State University.

Buena Vista University vs. Valley City State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and Valley City State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Buena Vista University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Valley City State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Valley City State University earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,200 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Valley City State University graduates have a $2,692 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($21,330 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, Valley City State University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($220 vs. $248).
• More Valley City State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (71% vs. 59%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.